Top Safety Pick Audi Q5 leads class with adaptive air suspension, other best-value features

The 2020 Audi Q5, awarded with top ratings by leading vehicle safety groups in the U.S.A. and Europe, comes in two special variants that each present equipment levels and value unmatched in the vehicle’s class. Called the Audi Q5 Prestige and Audi Q5 Premium, both are fitted with powerful but efficient diesel engines, Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology, and an extensive array of infotainment and assistance systems.

The top variant is the Audi Q5 Prestige that boasts of adaptive air suspension, a feature not found in the model’s competitors. Adaptive air suspension works with the vehicle’s newly developed five-link suspension with damper control to allow for settings ranging between comfort and dynamics. Five different damper settings are available, each chosen via the Audi drive select. Besides changing the vehicle’s ride and handling behavior, the settings also vary the Audi Q5 Prestige’s ride height.

One of the highlights of the Audi Q5 Prestige’s cabin is the MMI touch infotainment system. MMI touch has an 8.3” display, integrates a touchpad into its rotary/push-button control, and recognizes handwritten entries and gestures used in operating mobile digital devices. The system easily pairs with smartphones to allow for hands-free calls, music streaming from sites like Spotify, or using navigation apps like Waze.  

Dynamic photo, Colour: Navarra blue

Complementing MMI touch is the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit. The feature uses brilliant graphics on a high-resolution 12.3” screen to display various information to the driver. Audi virtual cockpit, placed directly in front of the driver, can be viewed in two different display modes.

Among other luxury items fitted to the Audi Q5 Prestige are 20” Audi Sport alloy wheels, leather comfort seats which have sharply contoured side bolsters, a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, and an ambient lighting package that illuminates the vehicle’s interior in a choice of 30 colors. A distinctive strip of aluminum-look trim frames the upper zone of the dashboard, running across the full width of the instrument panel to reinforce the feeling of generous space.

For its part, the Audi Q5 Premium offers the best value in its class because it is equipped similarly to the top-variant Audi Q5 Prestige even if presented in a more affordable package. The Audi Q5 Premium sports 18-inch alloy wheels and only subtle differences in exterior trim.

Dynamic photo, Colour: Navarra blue

Whichever variant is chosen, the Audi Q5 Prestige and Audi Q5 Premium are powered by a 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter TDI engine with a common rail injection system that outputs 190hp and 400Nm. Matched to this engine is the 7-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system. If the Audi Q5 is being driven at moderate speed and no tire slip is detected, quattro with ultra technology benefits from all of the advantages of a front-wheel drive train. However, the system immediately switches to all-wheel drive should more traction be needed.

Making the Audi Q5 Prestige and Audi Q5 Premium look unmistakably an Audi are their distinctive curves, strongly undercut shoulder line, LED headlights and sculptural Singleframe grille. Viewed from the side, flowing lines create a sporty character while the roofline, crowned by flat roof rails, descends gracefully toward the rear. The low greenhouse tapers inward and the D-pillars are angled similar to a coupé’s. Both vehicles have dynamic turn signals on their taillights.

Whether in Prestige or Premium configuration, the 2020 Audi Q5 was cited Top Safety Pick by the U.S.A. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as it scored “Good” in six crashworthiness tests and a “Superior” rating in front crash prevention tests. The model also carries the maximum five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program, or Euro NCAP, for its excellent performance in occupant protection, child safety and pedestrian protection.

For more information, please call 0917 813 9064, 0917 806 2946, or 0917 935 4111.

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